MK -- Microphone Capsules
Which is the Best Capsule for ... ?
Only in rare cases can ”the” correct micro-
phone be chosen unequivocally. The recording
location, the positions of sound sources and
the microphone, the atmosphere of the music
or other program material and the desired
effect must all be considered. Any absolute
prescriptions would thus be of limited value at
best. How ever, we would like to offer some
ideas to guide the choice that must be made.
Our Recommendations
The most commonly used pattern for medium-
distance pickup is the cardioid (MK 4 or MK 4V).
However, there may be good reasons to make
a different choice. Some examples:
– Greater directivity may be required, either for
the sake of a ”drier” recording or to sup-
press sound from adjacent instruments. In
this case we recommend the supercardioid
MK 41 (as long as no nearby sound source
or P.A. loudspeaker is directly behind the
microphone's rear lobe).
– For a broader pickup pattern, with very nat-
ural sound quality for sound arriving at the
sides of the microphone and more extended
low-frequency response, we recommend
the MK 21 wide cardioid.
– For essentially perfect pickup of low-fre-
quency information and room sound, we
recommend the omnidirectional MK 2H or
MK 2S (for moderate miking distances).
– When using directional microphones with
very close placement, proximity effect must
be compensated with a bass rolloff. This is
especially true when miking instruments.
For voice, try the MK 4S or MK 4VXS. For
instruments the omnidirectional MK 2 may
be of interest (no proximity effect, low sen-
sitivity to ”popping” or solid-borne noise);
for grand piano, the BLM 03 C.
– For very distant miking and/or as an ”ambi-
ence” microphone, with essentially perfect
bass response: omni MK 3.
– For outdoor recording if directivity is not
required (e.g. close miking), the omni MK 2S
with windscreen W 5 or W 5 D will offer low
sensitivity to wind, ”popping” and handling
noise.
If high directivity is required outdoors, the
MK 41 can be used with the W 5 D, W 20 R1
or WSR MS ”basket”-type windscreens with
built-in elastic suspension for mono or stereo.
Attaching a Capsule or An Active
Accessory
MK -- capsules are interchangeable and can
be screwed onto any CMC -- amplifier or
Active Accessory (see System Overview, page 2).
To avoid damaging the threads, please proceed
as follows:
Place the capsule against the front end of
the microphone amplifier.
Now turn the capsule first counter-clockwise
(not pressing the parts together) until you feel
a gentle ”click”:
You are then at the beginning of the thread,
and can attach the capsule or accessory to the
microphone amplifier with normal clockwise
rotation:
(The engraved markings on the capsule may
not always line up as shown with those on the
amplifier.)
If you are using an Active Accessory, attach it to
the microphone amplifier in a similar man ner.
SCHOEPS
GmbH · Spitalstr. 20 · D-76227 Karlsruhe (Durlach) · Tel: +49 721 943 20-0 · Fax: +49 721 943 2050
www.schoeps.de · [email protected]
Capsule Selection
Capsules
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